COMBINED FORCES COMMAND - AFGHANISTAN
COALITION PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
APO AE 09356

Mobile: 070-276-545
http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2006
Release # 060312-02


Four U.S. service members killed in IED strike



BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Four U.S. service members were killed in an
improvised explosive device attack today.

The service members were traveling in an up-armored, high-mobility,
multipurpose wheeled vehicle in the Pech Valley, Kunar Province, when the
incident occurred. The patrol was conducting route-clearance operations to
keep the road open to civilian and military traffic.

"The extremists that initiated this senseless attack create a significant
danger and threat to the Afghan people," said Maj. Gen. Benjamin C.
Freakley, commanding general of the Coalition's Combined Joint Task Force -
76. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our service members today; their
sacrifice will not be forgotten. These service members build much needed
roads that promote economic growth and quality of life for all Afghans. This
attack is reprehensible."

Names are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.